Ford, Fiat Chrysler adding Apple CarPlay, Android Auto this year

Ford's new Sync 3 infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Handout, Ford

Expect to see more Fords with CarPlay and Android Auto this year

by
Nick Tragianis | January 5, 2016

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At this week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Ford and FiatChrysler have both confirmed Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is destined for their vehicles.

For the 2017 model year, all Fords fitted with Sync 3 will have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as connectivity options for mobile phones. Although the 2017 Escape will be the first model to roll off the factory floor with these tweaks, Ford plans to release a software update for 2016 vehicles that will add both CarPlay and Android Auto.

Fiat-Chrysler’s new Uconnect system, now with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Also new to 2017 Fords equipped with Sync 3 is 4G LTE WiFi connectivity. Not only does this give occupants access to the internet, but also lets owners remotely access the car’s status and settings, such as how much gas is in the tank or to activate remote start.

Along with Ford, Fiat Chrysler has announced an evolution of its Uconnect infotainment system with CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. On a broader scale, the new Uconnect system is programmed to learn a driver’s habits, but Fiat Chrysler has yet to announce a specific timeline or which models will receive the new system.